What is Academic Excellence?
Some encouraging advice from our school captains, Hannah Sim and Madeliene Ryan...
What is academic excellence?
Is it putting effort into schoolwork? Is it receiving awards that mark your achievement? Is it doing your absolute best in your subjects? Is it simply improvement overall?
In fact, Academic Excellence is all of these things combined, and more. Achieving excellence stems from a mindset that strives for it. Motivation, focus, continuous improvement, pride in oneself and the understanding of one's capabilities allows for any student to achieve excellence. There is no limit to what can be accomplished should the individual pursue set goals with a dedicated mindset.
This mindset is to be encouraged. Whether it is the result of nature or nurture that the student's attitude towards schoolwork is high achieving, Ashwood High's responsibility is to provide support and allow an environment that fosters confidence in learning capabilities. One of the ways we do this is through awards of recognition and achievement. The Principal's Awards, categorised into Academic Excellence, Academic Endeavour and Citizenship & Leadership , are a prestigious acknowledgement towards exemplary students that have showcased the mindset necessary to successfully attain the awards. In the words of Bomi Lee, a Year 11 recipient of the Academic Excellence Award, 'It not only recognises excellence in student achievement, endeavour and commitment but also is a way of acknowledging the hard work and performance that students did over the semester.
Following on in the theme of recognition, we would also like to acknowledge the Year 12's of Ashwood High School. The senior students have been outstanding role models to the younger year levels; willing participants in house activities and excellent examples in respect for each other and themselves. As a way to symbolise these exceptional qualities in a tangible manner, the Year 12's have been awarded badges that represent their status as senior students and their achievement in reaching their final year of schooling. These were presented at the Term 2 assembly, with a show of presenting each student by name and in House order. Congratulations to all the Year 12's in their efforts so far this year, and know that you are all supported by your peers and your entire school.
It is important to strive continuously, to improve consistently and to remain constant in your studies. It is true that with a positive attitude, diligent work ethic and the proper recognition for effort, anything can be achieved. Ashwood High School is committed to encouraging and developing these qualities so that every student that attends this school will find the motivation and confidence within themselves to push beyond their limits and accomplish their goals.
Maddy Ryan and Hannah Sim
Ashwood High School
School Captains
